Restore academic calendar – Education Minister urges GES and WAEC
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has issued a significant directive to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to reinstate the pre-COVID academic calendar for both the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This move aims to address the disruptions caused by the pandemic and ensure a smoother transition for students progressing from one educational level to the next.
Speaking at the WAEC Distinction Awards ceremony, Minister Iddrisu emphasized the importance of returning to the original timetable, stating, “I am using this platform to reiterate our strong desire to see the restoration of the academic calendar for both the BECE and WASSCE to its pre-COVID schedule.” He expressed concern over the negative impact of ongoing changes to the academic calendar on students’ seamless transition to the next layer of their career development.
The Minister’s call highlights the urgent need for collaboration between GES and WAEC to develop a calendar that aligns with the broader West African education system. “GES and WAEC must work together to restore an acceptable calendar, one that is in sync with the rest of the West African system,” he urged. This initiative seeks to ensure consistency across the region and provide students with a stable and predictable academic environment.
By restoring the pre-COVID schedule, Ghana aims to facilitate a smooth progression for students in their educational journeys, free from unnecessary delays or disruptions. This move is crucial for maintaining academic stability and ensuring that students can transition effectively from one level of education to the next.
